Design and Implementation of a Collaborative Virtual Problem-Based Learning Environment

Abstract

This thesis describes the design and implementation of a collaborative virtual environment for distributed problem-based learning (PBL). Through an analysis of a real PBL scenario and the literature, the characteristics of PBL and requirements for the implementation of a collaborative virtual PBL environment are identified. In the light of activity theory, a conceptual framework to design virtual PBL environments is proposed. According to this framework, a conceptual architecture of a collaborative virtual PBL environment is developed, which consists of four modules: the virtual institute metaphor, the PBL-net, the PBL-protocol, and the PBL-plan. Each module realizes a concept that contributes to meet the requirements. The virtual institute metaphor inherits part of the culture used in traditional learning environments. It supports social orientation, group awareness, rich forms of social interaction, and customization of learning context. The PBL-net provides a PBL-specific graphical knowledge representation language. It facilitates the representation, exploration, and negotiation of shared knowledge in PBL-processes. The PBL-protocol supports to guide and control behaviors of each role in each state of the PBL process. It mediates PBL processes at the operation level and coordinates the contributions of people based on the distribution of the subjects. The PBL-plan enables end-users to define, execute, and monitor their own learning plans. It mediates PBL processes at the action level and coordinates the contributions of people based on the distribution of the objects. This architecture has been implemented as a prototype, called CROCODILE, which demonstrates the concepts. In CROCODILE, a cooperative hypermedia model is applied and extended. In comparison with existing PBL systems, CROCODILE emphasizes the roles of cultural and social factors in PBL processes. The direction of future work aims at developing an integrated environment to support an integration of collaborative work and collaborative learning.